Hi BethI thought twice about seeking support about the extra sensitivity and tenderness with you in mind and others like you considering RT. Then I thought, hang on a minute, if we all pretend there's nothing, then you're not being properly informed! Also, you'll think there's something wrong if you have the same thing (like I did for a while!). Once again, thanks for this website, as I immediately sought out more stories to validate whether my experience might be in the 'normal' range.

Look, the way I see it, my feet were going to get worse, whether I went through surgery, or simply just left them alone to progress further. The nodules were already so big that they were starting to touch the ground when I walked and that was only after 6 months of active growth. The only way out of this dilemma that was going to give me any kind of normal functionality was RT and if there's a little more discomfort for a short time (from what I've read from other experiences, it's about 3 - 4 weeks, then I'll push through it.

It probably sounds much worse when you read it than when you have it. It's not THAT much worse than what I had before on achey days before, only this time I have the comfort of knowing that it's working in the right direction!

I'm not sure applying chamomile would help with the redness as it's more a blood flow issue - the skin is fine!

I've been working as normal AND forgetting about my feet (it's a desk job), despite these symptoms cropping up from time to time. I put my feet up at lunch time for a bit and take my shoes off when sitting to give them a rest. I wear crocs at work so I can slip them on and off whenever I need to (getting up and down to go to the printer etc). I couldn't actually wear crocs before the treatment, so something has already changed.

I've had early signs that things are already improving. The nodules get really soft from time to time and sometimes I think they might be shrinking the tiniest little bit. Prof S. told me he expects the nodules to shrink down by two thirds by the end of the year!

I do hope this helps to reassure you. If you've made the decision to get RT, don't put it off too long. It's important to have it while the condition is active. When you are having the treatment, baby your feet and don't do too much walking, which Debbie and I both did (!), just in case it helps your feet to recover a bit more gracefully than ours!

I hope this helps Di

marjorieb:Cyclist, debrr,

I have to say, you do give me second thoughts about RT. I think my feet would have to be worse than they are, now, before I'll go.Can't you email Dr. S. and get details about specific activity restrictions? Have you tried Chamomille lotion to decrease the inflammation of your skin? I will be keeping tabs on your progress, and wish you both healthy feet and hands!Beth

Sorry! I should have been more clear. Your comments won't prevent me from ever having RT. Right now, my nodules are very small. I have mostly cords. The pain has subsided a great deal, since the initial weeks. If it doesn't get much worse, i can live with it.My job (therapy with kids) requires me to be on my feet quite a lot. It would be really difficult to limit walking/standing (even skipping, hopping) without taking time off work.So, I am thankful that you both gave a clear description of what is involved. I think I still have time to decide on this, if I understand correctly. In fact, when i contacted Dr. S., he asked for photos. My nodules were plain on an MRI, but would not show-up on a photo.Does that all make sense? I think you are right to share your experiences, and exactly right that it helps for others to understand that they are not having an odd reaction, following RT.Another bonus...now I know to plan my sightseeing BEFORE the treatment :) Wishing you both well!Beth

Thanks, cyclist, for your great report - confirms my strong impression about Prof. Seegenschmiedt ! I think its worth your long travel. HAMBURG by itself seems also pleasant to you ... Hope everything works well for you in round TWO !

Thanks for posting your story and photos, Di! I'm looking forward to hearing the rest, and wishing you the best.I'm glad you let people know not to worry about the language issue. It has been my experience that most Germans can speak English, and if they can't, they will be patient with you until you both understand eahc other. I love the friendliness you spoke of.Keep us posted!Beth

Prof. Seegenschmiedt suggested to me for better metabolism and perfusion to use a special ball for my feet to massage my self wherever it appears painful and tender ...

In Germany its quite cheap and costs about 5 Euro maximum. They come in differen sizes ... and colours !

I am using the RED one ... All the best to you, Larry

Hi Larry Just thought I'd let you know that I'm using a massage ball and it is FANTASTIC! It really helps. Not as scary as it looks

Di

Hi guys,

Dr. S suggested that I get one of these balls also but I didn't find one while in Germany and I haven't found one online since I've been home. Any ideas where to get one in the U.S.?

Diane

Get in touch with the PT dept at your local hospital and ask them to check their equipment catalogs. I seem to remember seeing the them one before I retired but it's been over 3 years since I retired and I didn't keep getting catalogs.

Hi DianeI had trouble getting one here in Australia too. I ended up having to order mine from a catalogue at the sports physician, but pharmacies had a catalogue too. I had to pay AUD $23 (about the same as US$) much more than Larry's price in Germany!Also note that they are known as massage balls here, so try a few different names when you go searching. It's worth the trouble of looking. Much better than the tennis ballDi